Comparative Analysis of the Discussion and Constructivism Methods of Teaching Adult Learners in Adult Education

Abstract

Adult learners unlike the child learners, possesses several characteristics that makes them unique and leave their instructor with no choice than to treat adult learners as objects rather than subjects. Consequently, there is the need for democratic methods of teaching adults. This paper examined the rationale for the use of the discussion and constructivism methods as democratic teaching methods; description effects of the methods when used and suggestions for the improved usage of these methods for adult learners in adult education. The paper concludes that the discussion and constructivism methods of teaching adults in adult education programmes are some of the methods of teaching adults that when properly utilized could give adult learners a sense of belonging. Moreover, it could promote learners confidence and participation in the adult learning programme. It suggests that adult education practitioners involved with teaching adults to adopt these democratic methods so as to promote a conducive learning environment that would sustain and promote learning outcomes evident in adult learners in adult education programmes globally.